Movie Mode

The Sony DSC-HX100V carries an impressive set of video specs. At its highest quality setting it can record 1080/60p video in AVCHD format from a sensor output of 60fps. Still images can be captured simultaneously during movie recording. It should be noted, however, that these still images are captured at a reduced resolution and the microphone will pick up the sound of the shutter button being pressed. Sony's optical image stabilization comes in two flavors; a standard mode as well as a more aggressive stabilization option to counteract motion when the person recording the video is moving as well. A digital wind cut filter is available to enhance audio input from HX100V's the built-in stereo microphone.

Using Movie Mode

You can initiate a video recording from any shooting mode simply by pressing the movie button. Unfortunately there is a time lag of approximately four seconds between pressing the movie button and the actual start of the recording. Upon pressing the movie mode button, the screen displays the message, 'Standby', then switches from the still image 4:3 aspect ratio to that of your chosen video setting and after a pause, a 'Rec.' message is displayed. Curiously, the actual start of recording happens just prior to the record status indicator, so knowing precisely when video capture has begun is a bit of a guessing game.

The HX100V has a direct movie shooting button on its rear, which can be used to initiate movie recording from any exposure mode. The button is conveniently located for operation with the right-hand thumb.

Alternately, you can record video via a dedicated movie mode on the camera dial. Putting the camera in movie mode reduces the time lag between the press of the movie button and the start of recording to just over one second. Another benefit is that in movie mode, the EVF/LCD image preview is cropped to a 16:9 format (unless you've chosen the VGA option) allowing for much more precise framing before you begin recording. You also have the option of choosing among seven scene modes, each of which adjust exposure and ISO settings accordingly.

Manual control is very limited when recording video. The color mode and the ND filter options are unavailable, manual focus is disabled and you cannot specify specific aperture/shutter speed/ISO combinations. When set to movie mode the camera displays onscreen the one option that you can control; exposure compensation. The range of exposure compensation is +/- 2 stops EV and the value can be adjusted while the camera is recording video.

A final quirk occurs when you stop recording video. The message 'Recording...' is displayed on the screen while the camera is writing data to the memory card. Although technically, accurate, the choice of terminology can be confusing given that you've just asked the camera to stop recording.

Sample video 1

This video sample highlights the impressive metering, resolution and detail of the HX100V's video capability. Although the movie mode offers no direct control over exposure settings, the scene is rendered with pleasing luminance and at a shutter speed fast enough to freeze the propeller blades. The camera was zoomed in towards the telephoto end and placed on stable structure on which is was rotated periodically to track the subject's movement.

Sample video 2

This video highlights the sound recording capabilities of the HX100V's stereo microphone input. The camera was set at its widest focal length, with the musicians roughly 15-20 feet in front of the camera position.

Sample video 3

This video sample was shot handheld with the camera zoomed in towards its telephoto end. The SteadyShot image stabilization system - here in its less aggressive default mode - compensates nicely for all but the most extreme camera movement. You can also hear just how prominently the conversation emanating from behind the camera is picked up by the stereo microphone.

Sample video 4

This video sample was shot handheld with the camera braced against a railing and demonstrates the zoom range (27-810mm equivalent) of the HX100V's lens. The clip begins with the lens at its widest focal length and zooms in to its telephoto end. With the variable speed zoom lever you have some control over how fast the lens zooms according to how far to the left or right you push the lever. In this clip the lens is zoomed at approximately 1/2 to 3/4 speed. Image stabilization was set to Standard mode.